Conroe Police Academy Class 25-18 Graduates, Welcoming 18 New Law Enforcement Officers
For residents across Conroe and the surrounding region, the graduation of Conroe Police Department Academy Class 25-18 represents more than the completion of a training program. It marks the arrival of a new group of law enforcement officers preparing to serve local families, neighborhoods, businesses and campuses during some of their most difficult moments.
The Conroe Police Department celebrated the academy class during a graduation ceremony held July 1, 2026, recognizing 18 recruits who completed seven months of intensive preparation for careers in public safety.
Fourteen graduates are joining the Conroe Police Department, while four others will serve with the Huntsville Police Department, Sam Houston State University Police Department and Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
Seven Months of Training Prepared Recruits for Service
Academy Class 25-18 began its journey in early December 2025. In the months that followed, the cadets completed hundreds of hours of classroom instruction, practical exercises, physical conditioning and real-world scenario training.
Their coursework covered state and constitutional law, traffic law, professionalism, emergency vehicle operations, patrol procedures, firearms, defensive tactics and physical fitness, along with other skills required of new Texas law enforcement officers.
The process was designed to test recruits mentally and physically while preparing them to make careful decisions under pressure. For the communities they will soon serve, that preparation matters. Officers may be called to respond to traffic crashes, neighborhood concerns, emergencies, crimes in progress and situations involving residents who are experiencing fear, grief or uncertainty.
The academy’s goal was not only to teach procedures, but also to help recruits develop the judgment, confidence and professionalism needed to carry out those responsibilities with integrity and compassion.
Fourteen New Officers Join the Conroe Police Department
The Conroe Police Department welcomed the following graduates as its newest officers:
Officer James Bellow, Officer Khali Benjamin, Officer Richard Berg, Officer Ethan Casey, Officer Ryan Davidson, Officer Mariana Del Pilar, Officer Zachary Kelly, Officer Jordan Kidd, Officer Alexa Linares, Officer Nate Mack, Officer Jake Peterson, Officer Randi Preston, Officer Arnoldo Salazar and Officer Yahir Vargas.
Their graduation adds new personnel to a department serving one of Montgomery County’s fastest-growing areas. As Conroe continues to welcome new residents, businesses and development, maintaining a trained and prepared police force remains an important part of supporting public safety and community confidence.
For the graduates, the ceremony also marked a personal milestone following months of early mornings, physical challenges, academic testing and hands-on instruction. For their families, it offered a chance to recognize the commitment required to reach the beginning of a law enforcement career.
Graduates Will Also Serve Partner Agencies
The Conroe Police Department Academy also trained recruits who will serve neighboring jurisdictions and regional institutions.
Officer Ivan Mejia and Officer David Galeana graduated and will join the Huntsville Police Department.
Officer Daniela Lopez will serve with the Sam Houston State University Police Department, helping protect students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus.
Deputy Erik Bennett will join the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
The participation of multiple agencies reflects the regional role of the Conroe Police Department Academy and the shared responsibility local law enforcement organizations carry across Montgomery and Walker counties.
Class Awards Recognize Fitness, Academics and Leadership
Several graduates received awards for exceptional performance during the academy.
Officer Richard Berg earned the Top Physical Fitness award after receiving the highest score on the final physical fitness assessment.
Officer Nate Mack received the Top Gun award for achieving the academy’s highest firearms training score.
Officer Khali Benjamin was named Top Academic Recruit after earning the highest final academic average. Benjamin also received the Top Overall Recruit award, an honor selected by academy staff and fellow recruits based on performance, leadership and professionalism throughout the program.
These awards recognize individual achievement, but the graduation itself reflects the effort of the entire class. Every recruit was required to meet demanding academic, physical and professional standards before beginning the next phase of service.
What Comes Next for Academy Class 25-18
Graduation does not mark the end of training for the new officers. As they begin work with their respective agencies, many will continue learning through field training alongside experienced officers and supervisors.
That next stage will allow the graduates to apply academy lessons during actual calls for service, traffic stops, investigations and community interactions. It will also help them learn the neighborhoods, policies and expectations of the agencies they now represent.
For Conroe residents, these new officers will soon become familiar faces on local streets and at community events. Their work will require technical knowledge, sound judgment and the ability to treat people fairly during circumstances that are often complicated and deeply personal.
The Conroe Police Department encouraged the graduates to begin their careers with honor, integrity, professionalism and compassion. Those values will shape not only how the officers enforce the law, but also how they build trust with the people they serve.
Academy Class 25-18 now moves forward carrying the responsibility of the badge and the support of the instructors, relatives, colleagues and community members who helped them reach graduation day.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional Conroe Police Department updates, public safety information and community news affecting local residents.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
